Outback C's Cheese: What's The Secret Ingredient?

Outback Steakhouse is known for its delicious cheese-based dishes, including mac and cheese and cheese fries. The former is a popular side dish for steak and chicken, with a creamy texture and rich taste. The latter, known as Aussie Cheese Fries, are seasoned with garlic powder, black pepper, onion powder, and thyme, and served with ranch dressing. The mac and cheese recipe has evolved over time, with some variations including Velveeta cheese and heavy cream, while others feature smoked gouda, cream cheese, and cheddar-jack cheese.

Outback Steakhouse's Mac and Cheese recipe

Outback Steakhouse Mac and Cheese Recipe

Ingredients:

• Pasta (Pipette, Cellentani, Penne, or Classic Macaroni)
• Velveeta Cheese
• Sharp Cheddar Cheese
• Milk (Whole or 2%)
• Breadcrumbs
• Garlic Powder
• Paprika
• Salt
• Pepper
• Butter

Steps:

• Cook the pasta according to the package instructions for al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
• Prepare the cheese sauce by melting the Velveeta, cheddar, and milk in a saucepan over low heat. Add salt and paprika to taste and stir until the mixture is creamy and smooth.
• Combine the cooked pasta and cheese sauce in a baking dish. You can use a 9x13 baking dish, a round baking dish, or smaller crocks for individual servings.
• Make the breadcrumb topping by combining the breadcrumbs, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Stir in melted butter until well combined.
• Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the pasta and cheese sauce.
• Bake the mac and cheese in the oven at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for about 20 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown.
• Serve as a side dish with steak, chicken, or roast pork, or enjoy it as a main course with a side salad or steamed vegetables.

Tips and Variations:

• For a smoky flavor, add cooked and crumbled bacon to the mac and cheese before baking.
• For a spicy kick, mix in diced jalapeños, red pepper flakes, or a dash of hot sauce.
• Infuse fresh herbs like parsley, chives, or thyme, or add dried spices like garlic powder or onion powder for extra flavor.
• Experiment with different types of breadcrumbs, such as panko breadcrumbs or crushed buttery crackers.
• For an extra rich flavor, add Parmesan cheese to the breadcrumbs.
• To make the kids' menu version, leave out the breadcrumbs and serve the cheesy pasta directly from the stovetop without baking.

The cheese used in Outback's Mac and Cheese

Outback Steakhouse's Mac and Cheese is a popular side dish for steak and chicken. It stands out for its rich and creamy taste. The secret to achieving this signature flavour and texture lies in the type of cheese used—Velveeta.

Velveeta cheese, known for its smooth and creamy texture, is the key ingredient that sets Outback's Mac and Cheese apart from traditional recipes. This processed cheese product has a higher melting point than other cheeses, ensuring a consistent, velvety sauce that evenly coats the pasta.

To prepare the dish, the Velveeta cheese is cut into small cubes and combined with heavy cream in a saucepan over low heat. The cheese and cream are stirred continuously until fully melted and blended, creating a rich and decadent sauce. This sauce is then poured over cooked short pasta, such as penne, shells, elbow macaroni, or rigatoni.

The use of Velveeta cheese not only ensures a creamy texture but also provides a mildly salty and savoury flavour that enhances the overall taste of the dish. The heavy cream adds richness and helps create the perfect consistency.

While the classic Outback Mac and Cheese recipe calls for these simple ingredients, some variations and customisations are possible. For a more indulgent option, you can bake the dish with an additional layer of cheese on top until it becomes crispy. You can also add meat, such as bacon or sausages, to make it a heartier meal.

The versatility of Outback's Mac and Cheese allows it to be enjoyed as a side dish or a main course. It pairs well with fried chicken, grilled meat, or lighter options like a side salad or steamed vegetables.

Whether enjoyed at the restaurant or recreated at home, Outback's Mac and Cheese remains a favourite among patrons for its comforting and indulgent flavours. The unique use of Velveeta cheese sets it apart from traditional recipes, making it a sought-after comfort food.

Outback Cheese Fries recipe

Ingredients:

• 2 medium russet potatoes
• Vegetable oil (6 cups)
• Garlic powder (1 teaspoon)
• Ground black pepper (3/4 teaspoon)
• Onion powder (1/2 teaspoon)
• Ground thyme (1/8 teaspoon)
• Shredded Monterey Jack cheese (1 cup)
• Shredded Cheddar cheese (1 cup)
• Bacon (1 slice, cooked)
• Ranch dressing (optional)

Method:

• Preheat the vegetable oil to 375°F in a deep fryer.
• Cut the potatoes into french fry slices using a vegetable slicer or mandolin. Aim for uniform thickness so that the fries cook evenly.
• Combine the garlic powder, ground black pepper, onion powder, and ground thyme in a small bowl and set aside.
• Submerge the potato slices in a large bowl of cold water for 30 minutes.
• Remove the potato slices from the water and blot them dry with a clean towel.
• Fry the potato slices in the hot oil for 8 to 12 minutes, or until lightly browned.
• Drain the fries on a rack or paper towels and sprinkle with the seasoning mix.
• For the cheese fries, arrange the seasoned fries on an oven-safe plate.
• Preheat your oven to 400°F.
• Mix the shredded Monterey Jack and Cheddar cheeses together and sprinkle the blend over the fries.
• Crumble the cooked bacon and sprinkle it over the cheese.
• Bake for 4 to 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted.
• Serve with ranch dressing on the side, if desired.

Tips:

• For an extra crispy texture, double-fry the potato slices by frying them at a lower temperature first, then again at a higher temperature.
• Feel free to add more toppings like onions, green onions, or crushed chips.
• If you don't have ranch dressing, you can make your own by combining mayonnaise, buttermilk, sour cream, and spices.

The cheese used in Outback Cheese Fries

Outback Steakhouse is a restaurant chain founded in Florida in 1987 with an Australian theme. Its menu features appetizers labelled "Aussie-Tizers", including the popular Aussie Cheese Fries. This dish consists of French fries smothered in melted cheese and bacon, served with a ranch dipping sauce on the side.

To make Outback Cheese Fries, first, the French fries are cut, seasoned, and fried until golden brown. They are then placed on a platter or an oven-safe plate and topped with a generous amount of shredded cheese and crumbled bacon. The dish is then baked in the oven for a few minutes until the cheese melts. Finally, the fries are served with ranch dressing on the side, and sometimes topped with green onions for an extra layer of flavour.

The combination of melted cheese, crispy bacon, and seasoned fries makes this dish a popular choice for customers. The cheese used in Outback Cheese Fries complements the other ingredients and enhances the overall flavour profile, making it a favourite among those who enjoy loaded French fries.

How to reheat Outback Mac and Cheese

Outback Steakhouse's Mac and Cheese is a beloved dish across the United States. It is a blend of comfort and flavour, offering a perfect blend of cheese, texture, and warmth. The creamy, rich dish pairs well with Outback's famous steaks. The mac and cheese is available in individual and family-size portions.

The type of cheese used in Outback Steakhouse's Mac and Cheese is a blend of creamy cheeses, usually including cheddar and other melting cheeses. The result is a rich, smooth texture with a bold flavour.

For Individual or Small Amounts:

Use the microwave or stovetop. Stir 1 tablespoon of milk into each cup of mac and cheese before reheating to prevent it from drying out. Spread the mac and cheese in an even layer in a shallow, microwave-safe bowl. Cover and microwave on 50% power for 1 minute. Stir and continue to microwave in 30-second increments, stirring after each increment, until warmed through.

Alternatively, break up any big clumps of mac and cheese and place them in a saucepan. Stir in the milk and cook over medium or medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through.

For Larger Amounts or Baked Versions:

Use the oven or toaster oven. Place the mac and cheese in a baking dish, break up any clumps, and stir in the milk. Cover the baking dish and bake in a 350ºF oven or toaster oven until warmed through, checking after 20 minutes. If you want a crispy top, uncover and bake for an additional 10 minutes.

For Frozen Mac and Cheese:

Thaw the mac and cheese in the refrigerator, then reheat using any of the above methods. If you don't have time to thaw, you can reheat it from frozen in the oven or toaster oven. Transfer the mac and cheese to a baking dish, drizzle milk down the sides, cover, and bake at 350ºF until warmed through, checking after 40 minutes. Uncover and bake for an additional 10 minutes for a crispy top.

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